What kind of iron should i take for anemia?

Iron is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Not having enough iron can lead to anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. If you’re looking to supplement your iron intake, you might be wondering what kind of iron supplement is best for you. Here are some options:

Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous sulfate is one of the most common forms of iron supplements and it’s widely available over-the-counter. It contains around 20% elemental iron and can be taken in tablet or capsule form.

Ferrous Gluconate

Ferrous gluconate has a lower concentration of elemental iron than ferrous sulfate (around 12%) but it may be better tolerated by people who experience stomach upset from other forms of supplemental iron.

Ferrous Fumarate

Ferrous fumarate also contains around 33% elemental iron but it may not be as well absorbed by the body compared to other types.

So which one should I choose?

Ultimately, there isn’t a clear winner when it comes to choosing an ideal type of supplemental iron because everyone’s bodies react differently based on various factors such as diet, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions. However, here are some factors that could help narrow down your choice:

Dosage:

One important consideration is dosage – make sure you choose a supplement with recommended daily doses according to gender and age recommendations.

Tolerability:

Some people find certain forms more tolerable than others due to differences in how they’re broken down in the gastrointestinal tract.

Absorption rate:

The absorption rate differs between different types so consult a health professional if concerned about this issue.

Foods high in Iron

Besides taking an oral supplement as directed by your doctor or health professional, eating foods high in iron can also help maintain a healthy level. Here are some of the best examples:

Liver

A 3-ounce serving of beef liver contains about 5 milligrams of iron, making it one of the richest food sources.

Chicken Breast

Chicken is generally considered to be a healthier meat choice than red meats due to their lower saturated fat content. A single chicken breast provides roughly 0.9 mg of iron.

Food-Created Compounds That Inhibit Iron Absorption

There are certain things that inhibit absorption so it’s wise to avoid these when taking supplemental or dietary forms.

Coffee and Tea:

Drinking coffee or tea with your meals can hinder your body’s ability to absorb non-heme iron from those meals.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency anemia affects millions across the world annually if you’re feeling persistently unwell and suspect that you may be anaemic seek out medical advice as soon as possible! Once diagnosed, there isn’t any need for panic because proper treatment including diet modification and supplementation which involves different types mentioned above will likely bring quick results 🙂

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